The Brazilian veteran enjoyed a renaissance season with the Giallorossi last term and holds hope of continuing his journey with the club beyond the expiry of his current contract in June 2015.

“The road is the right one, as has been seen in the past season,” Maicon has told the Gazzettadello Sport.

“Now it is too early to talk about the Scudetto, but I see that we are buying players and they all seem good, let’s move forward and see.

“Certainly I do not want to leave Roma. Indeed, the first thing I’m going to do now the World Cup is finished will be to call Sabatini - I want to renew right away - I am not thinking of leaving.”

Maicon was involved this summer in his nation’s World Cup campaign, which ended with disappointing defeats to Germany and the Netherlands.

“I am glad I arrived here, I endured two years of pain but I was able to join the 23-man squad. Maybe Brazil did not have the tournament that was expected, but the Brazilians have to remember that this is a team built over a year-and-a-half.

“The Germany project has been going on for eight years, the Argentines have been together for six. It takes time.

“I believe Scolari and his entire staff have done a good job - this squad has a good mix of experience and youth and has a future. After what happened in this World Cup, even those who are less experienced will now have the right mindset to win.

“I do not think that the wound of the 7-1 defeat to Germany will weaken them, in fact, after that night I saw straight away the will to get up, and the defeat in the last game for third place is a chapter we will close quickly.”

The 32-year-old, who debuted with the Selecao in 2003, has no intention of retiring from international football just yet.

“It depends on the Coach, if he still wants me there. I still love playing and the national team is valued by all the Brazilians.

“The people in the background have always supported us and I am very proud of how our fans have behaved after our defeat.

“It means that times change and that is why I say that Brazilians must have patience. In four years, this team will be very strong.”